All images submitted for competition in both print and projected image format and
in all competition categories shall originate as photographs by the entrant on
photographic emulsion or acquired digitally.
By the action of submitting an entry, the photographer certifies the work as
his/her own. No clip art, digital art or photographs other than those made
by the entrant may be used in whole or in part in any portion of the image.
Images may only be manipulated as noted in individual category definitions.
When graphic elements other than photographs created by the entrant are
used in an image, photographic content must still predominate.
Pictorial photography is the use of the photographic
medium as an art form. The emphasis is on interest, visual impact, composition,
and technical excellence. Images in the Pictorial Division are not confined to
any particular subject, type, or style of photography.
Pictorial images may be manipulated in the darkroom, on a computer or in
the camera in a manner consistent with the standards stated in the preamble
to these definitions.
Creative photography is producing an image through
the use of imaginative skill or originality of thought including the altering
of reality. No image should be eliminated from competition simply because
it looks realistic, provided it shows originality of concept.
Creative images may include modifications in the darkroom, on the computer,
or in the camera, as well as unusual points of view, imaginative use of
subject matter or lighting, or any other presentation that begins with
the maker’s photograph or a collection of photographs.
In Creative competition the title is read when showing the image.
The Nature Photography category is restricted
to the use of the photographic process to depict observations from all
branches of natural history except anthropology and archeology in such
a fashion that a well-informed person will be able to identify the subject
matter and certify as to its honest presentation. The story-telling
value of a photograph must be weighed more than the pictorial quality.
Human elements shall not be present except on the rare occasion where those
human elements enhance the nature story. The presence of scientific
bands on wild animals is acceptable. Photographs of artificially
produced hybrid plants or animals (any plant or animal that has its
appearance changed by breeding and selection by man), mounted specimens,
or obviously set arrangements, are ineligible, as is any form of
manipulation that alters the truth of the photographic statement.
No manipulation or modification of Nature images is permitted except
resizing, cropping, selective lightening or darkening, and restoration
of original color of the scene. No special effect filters can be applied.
Any sharpening must appear natural. No elements may be moved, cloned,
added, deleted, rearranged or combined. Horizontal flipping
(equivalent to reversing the image) is an acceptable modification.
In Nature competition the title is read when showing the image.
The title should be factual and descriptive and will be read as shown.
Scientific names are encouraged but are not to be used as a basis
for judging.
Journalism entries shall consist of pictures
with informative content and emotional impact, including human interest,
documentary and spot news. The journalistic value of the photograph
shall be considered over pictorial quality. In the interest of
credibility, photographs which misrepresent the truth, such as
manipulation of the image, or situations which are set up for the
purpose of photography, are unacceptable in Journalism competition.
The primary concern is to make story-telling and/or newsworthy photographs.
No manipulation or modification of Journalism images is permitted except
resizing, cropping, selective lightening or darkening, and restoration
of original color of the scene. No special effect filters can be applied.
Any sharpening must appear natural. No elements may be moved, cloned,
added, deleted, rearranged or combined.
In competition the title is read when showing the image. Good titles are
important and should add to the photo-story.
This special category consists of a
photojournalism image, subject to the description above, which
tells the story of the human condition. Examples are pictures that
show people at work, at play, or in trouble. Portraits are excluded.
No manipulation or modification is permitted except resizing,
cropping, selective lightening or darkening, and restoration of
original color of the scene. No special effect filters can be
applied. Any sharpening must appear natural. No elements may
be moved, cloned, added, deleted, rearranged or combined.
In Travel competition the title is read when showing the image.
The title should give the location and complement the travel story.
Adapted from N4C. Source: Official N4C competition categories.
Copyright © Northern California Council of Camera Clubs
